Georgia – Religious & Pilgrimage Tour

Arrive in Tbilisi International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check in (standard check in time 15:00).

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Here myth and history, culture and traditions, diverse nature and hospitable people; all intermingle with one another, inspired poetry, polyphonic songs and elegant dancing. A blend of cultures, a smell of spices, different nations meeting on street corners, different faiths sharing the same courtyards…. This is Tbilisi, the city that has been dominated by traders, warriors, tyrants and dictators in turn. Take a walk around the old town and breathe in the living past. Today Tbilisi is a modern city with well-known museums and theatres, art galleries, churches, Sulphur bathhouses and narrow streets with inner courts.

Sights to visit: – Metekhi Church of Assumption (13th c.) built by the king Demetre II. Resting upon the top of the hill, the church is a good example of cross-domed Georgian orthodox churches.

– Georgian Synagogue – Jewish prayer house built from 1895 to 1903. – Sioni Cathedral (6th-19th cc.). The cathedral was the seat of the ruling Catholicos-Patriarchs and is commonly referred to as the “Tbilisi Sioni”, following an old Georgian custom of naming churches after places in the Holy Land.

– Anchiskhati Basilica (6th c.) – the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi.

Enjoy an exclusive performance of Georgian church chants, held within the sacred surroundings of the church, where the acoustics and atmosphere create a deeply moving and memorable experience – on supplementary basis.

– Narikhala Fortress – the main citadel of the city where you can enjoy the wonderful views of Tbilisi.

– Sulphur Baths (outside view) – high in sulphurs and other minerals, with a constant temperature of 38C to 40C, the waters have long been used as a therapeutic aid for a range of ailments. – Rustaveli Avenue – the central avenue in Tbilisi named after the medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli.

– Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba) (1995–2004) – one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world and the main cathedral of Georgia. Rising majestically on Elia Hill, Sameba symbolizes the spiritual revival of the nation. Built in traditional Georgian architectural style with modern elements, the cathedral impresses visitors with its golden dome, grand interior, beautiful frescoes, and peaceful gardens, offering panoramic views over Tbilisi.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

In the morning, we drive to Mtskheta – the ancient capital of Georgia, located at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Jvari, the 6th century cross-shaped monastery built on the top of a cliff, overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. At this place St. Nino, a female evangelist, erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple; Svetitskhoveli, the fortified cathedral dating from the 11th century. Svetitskhoveli is a sacred place where the Robe of Christ is buried.

Visit Samtavro – the main building of the complex is the great church of Samtavro. The tiny church of St Nino dates from the 4th c. In the North-west stands a handsome three-storey bell-

tower of 13th c. The South-west buildings have functioned both as a nunnery and theological seminary of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Visit Shio-Mgvime monastery complex founded in the 6th century by St. Shio, (one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers). After having a dream, he chose to live in a dark isolated cave near a 6th century church north-west of the ancient city of Mtskheta. The earliest building of the Monastery is a cruciform church of St. John the Baptist of c. 560s-580s.The upper church was built at the verge of the 12th century; The refectory was built between 12th -17th century. An archaeological expedition revealed a 2 km long aqueduct supplying the monastic communities from the nearby village.

Drive to Tbilisi

Visit Mama Daviti Church (19th c.) – located on the slopes of Mtatsminda Mountain, this historic church is dedicated to St. David Garejeli, one of the revered Assyrian Fathers. Surrounded by the famous pantheon where prominent Georgian writers, artists, and national figures are buried, Mama Daviti offers a peaceful atmosphere, remarkable architecture, and stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi.

Dinner at Funicular

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Today we will explore picturesque and the most fertile part of Georgia – Kakheti, which borders the Great Caucasus range from the north Alazani Valley, summits of which are over 3,000 m. This region is known as a birthplace of viticulture and wine- making. The rich land, burning sun and hard work have developed about 500 varieties of vine in Georgia.

Visit Bodbe Nunnery (9thc), the place where St. Nino, the 4th.c female evangelist of Georgians is buried.

Explore Sighnaghi fortified town famous for its wine making culture. Enjoy breathtaking views of Kizikhi area and unusual Charm of Sighnaghi Royal Town. Have a walk-in narrow street of the town in shadow of wooden balconies richly decorated with the lace of carved ornaments.

St. Nino’s Spring a holy spring located near the Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe, one of Georgia’s most important pilgrimage sites. According to tradition, the spring’s waters are blessed and believed to possess healing powers. Surrounded by cypress trees and peaceful landscapes, visitors descend to the spring to experience its spiritual atmosphere, fresh waters, and the serene beauty of Kakheti.

Overnight in Telavi.

Visit local farmers market in Telavi, where you can enjoy the large variety of fruits and vegetable, meat, cheese, etc. Here you can find all ingredients Georgians use for cooking.

In Alazani valley visit elegant 11th c. Alaverdi Cathedral, founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli, who settled in a former pagan village and converted people to Christianity. Visit Ikalto monastery, founded by Saint Zenon, one of the 13 Syrian Fathers, in the late 6th century. According to a legend the famous 12th century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied there.

We drive to Gremi architectural complex of 16th-17th cc. founded by the King of Kakheti Levan. The present complex used to be a citadel and consists of a tower, king’s chambers, defensive walls and a central-dome Archangel’s church built of square bricks.

Visit Nekresi Monastery. The complex consists of several churches and other monastic buildings. The oldest building of the monastery, the small basilica from the 4th Century, is also one of the oldest remaining churches in Georgia today. The large basilica from the 7th century is an example of a so-called “Three church basilica”. In the 8th Century a new church with the dome was built in Nekresi. There is also a two-storey Bishops palace in the complex. The palace dates from the 8th-9th Century. The tower was built in the 16th century. From the highest point of Nekresi you can see the largest Zoroastrian Temple in Georgia.

Overnight in Telavi.

Visit Ninotsminda Cathedral is in the village of Sagarejo, in the Kakheti region, Georgia. The cathedral dates back to the 2nd half of the 6th century. Ninotsminda Cathedral is highly significant to the development of Georgian architecture, as it predates Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, and served as a model for the development of the later tetraconch form. The Ninotsminda complex is surrounded by a fortification, with corner towers and a crenellated curtain wall, dating from the 16th-17th centuries.

We drive to the semi-desert area, where we explore David Gareja rock-hewn town monastery. David Gareja is a Christian monastery located in south-eastern part of Georgia in Kakheti Region. The monastery is cut in Mountain Udabno, overlooking Azerbaijan border. David Gareja is in the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Visit Samtavisi is an eleventh-century Georgian Orthodox Cathedral in eastern Georgia, in Kaspi Municipality, village Samtavisi. It was built in 1030 by architect Hillarion Samtavneli, and it is remarkable due to the beauty of proportions and refinement of carving on the façades.

Visit Ateni Sioni – nestled between green rolling hills near the town of Gori. The famous medieval structure was built in the 7th century. The architecture of Ateni Sioni is simple yet lovely, decorated on the exterior with a multitude of engraved stone ornamentation, while the interior walls are covered in beautiful ancient mural paintings dating back to at least the 11th century. (Note: the sight is under construction now and some parts of the frescos and outside wall carving are not seen well).

Visit Uplistsikhe, the fascinating rock-hewn town dating back to the 2nd millennium BC. Perched on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, Uplistsikhe showcases a unique blend of rock-cut architectural styles, reflecting both pagan and Christian influences. As you wander through its ancient caves and passageways, you’ll discover remnants of history, including centuries-old wine presses carved into the stone, a testament to Georgia’s deep-rooted winemaking tradition.

Visit Kintsvisi – The monastery of St Nicholas (Kintsvisi) is located in the region of Shida-Kartli 25 km from Gori, in the Dzama gorge of the river hidden from the eyes. The name of the monastery comes from the word “kinwa”, translated as “frost”. The date of its construction is not known exactly, it is supposed to be in 1200. The monastery refers to the Golden Age of the country’s history.The walls are decorated with frescoes, among which the most popular are the frescoes of Queen Tamara and “Kintsvisi angel.

Overnight in Borjomi.

Day 8: Borjomi – Zarzma –Vardzia (B/L/D)

Visit Zarzma Monastery (8th–9th cc.) – nestled in the picturesque mountains of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Zarzma Monastery is one of Georgia’s important medieval spiritual and cultural centers. Founded by Saint Serapion of Zarzma, the monastery is renowned for its remarkable frescoes, elegant stone carvings, and traditional Georgian architecture. Surrounded by lush forests and peaceful landscapes, Zarzma offers visitors a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Continue our tour and visit Vardzia Cave Complex, founded in the 12th-13th cc. during the reign of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. The complex became a well-fortified monastery, which had a significant role in political, cultural, educational and spiritual life of Georgia.

Overnight in Vardzia.

Visit Poka Monastery of St. Nino (11th c.) – situated on the scenic shores of Paravani Lake in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Foka Monastery is closely connected with St. Nino’s journey to Georgia. This peaceful spiritual center is known for its ancient traditions, beautiful stone architecture, and serene natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the monastery, enjoy breathtaking lake views, and discover locally made products crafted by the resident nuns

Drive to Tbilisi.

Overnight in Tbilisi.

Check out before 12:00. Transfer to airport. Departure.